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(Kansas City, MO– October 1st, 2017) – St. Joseph Medical Center officially opens Kansas City’s first Inpatient Senior Suites Unit, led by a dedicated team of experts with specialized training and experience in geriatric healthcare.

Patients 65 years and older have unique medical needs, and the staff at St. Joseph Medical Center not only recognizes those needs, but is focused on proactively protecting and preserving quality of life for our region’s older patients. The hospital opened its Senior Emergency Department in January and Sister Margaret’s Senior Clinic in May. “This is another addition to our comprehensive senior care program” said Anne Xenos, Manager of Senior Care Services. “We use an evidence based tool called Identifying Seniors at Risk (ISAR) upon triage to determine if the patients meet criteria for the unit” said Anne. The unit is different by having larger newly renovated rooms with accommodations made for seniors and their families. It’s a quiet and private 8 bed unit staffed by geriatric certified nurses and physicians.

“Our hospital staff and physicians specializes in the comprehensive, multidisciplinary geriatric assessment and treatment of older adults, and in dealing with multiple medical problems, chronic illnesses and even social issues that older patients often face”, said Jodi Fincher, Administrator.

Every detail of the Senior Suites Unit has been considered from the patient’s perspective to support the delivery of care in a setting that is safe, private and calming for seniors. “There’s been a lot of research done on the setting for these kinds of programs, and what works and what doesn’t,” said Anne Xenos, adding, “We have different lighting that can be dimmed, more hand rails and cushioned floor to prevent fall injuries.”

Planning included extensive workflow design in partnership with members of the local community, and a multidisciplinary team of physicians and staff. Special touches include larger rooms, privacy, built in bedside commodes, warmer environment, assisted hearing and vision devices.

“St. Joseph’s comprehensive senior care destination brings together physicians, therapists, home care agencies, geriatric specialists and post-acute care facilities to work side-by-side, allowing teams to share their expertise and information rapidly,” adds Dr. Sloan. “Access to specialty care in your local community extends our commitment to provide advanced treatment close to home.”

Patients interested in learning more about Senior Care Services at St. Joseph Medical Center should call 816-943-4541 or visit stjosephkc.com.